| Oppositional defiant
disorder is a controversial psychiatric category listed in the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders where it is
described as an ongoing pattern of disobedient, hostile, and defiant
behavior toward authority figures that goes beyond the bounds of
normal childhood behavior. To
meet DSM-IV-TR criteria, certain factors must be taken into account.
First, the defiance must interfere with the child’s ability to
function in school, home, or the community. Second, the defiance
cannot be the result of another disorder, such as depression, anxiety,
or the more serious Conduct disorder. Third, the child's problem
behaviors have been happening for at least six months. The diagnostic
criteria for this disorder are as follows:
- Losing temper
- Arguing with adults
- Refusing to follow the rules
- Deliberately annoying people
- Blaming others for own mistakes
- Easily annoyed
- Angry and resentful
- Spiteful or even vengeful
If the child meets at least four of
these criteria, and they are interfering with the child’s ability to
function, then he or she technically meets the definition of
Oppositionally defiant
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